UN envoy says she met Myanmar army chief, calls for end to violence. UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop confirmed her visit to Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw, where she met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to discuss pathways toward peace amid ongoing civil conflict. Bishop urged Myanmar's leaders to adopt a non-zero-sum approach, stressing that an end to violence, accountability, and humanitarian access are essential for resolution. She has engaged with multiple stakeholders, including the shadow National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups, to coordinate peace efforts. Simon Lewis, Reuters, October 29
Treasury issues rule to block U.S. investors from helping China develop advanced military technology. The U.S. Treasury issued new restrictions on Monday to prevent American investments in Chinese sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors, aimed at limiting China’s military advancements. Taking effect January 2, 2024, the rule stems from an executive order by President Biden and mandates U.S. companies to report relevant transactions. China’s government criticized the measure, while Hong Kong’s leadership warned of negative impacts on global trade. Paul Wiseman, AP News, October 29
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia discuss bolstering cooperation in jobs, education. Indonesian Minister Muhaimin Iskandar met with Saudi Ambassador Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi in Jakarta to explore strengthening ties in employment and education, including student exchanges. Iskandar highlighted employment collaboration as essential to both countries’ growth, and Amodi conveyed Saudi Arabia’s interest in closer relations under Indonesia’s new administration. Antara News, October 29
Army wraps up 1st overseas tank, howitzer drills in Qatar. South Korea's Army completed its first overseas training with tank and howitzer units in Qatar, deploying 100 troops along with K2 tanks and K9A1 howitzers for combined drills with Qatar's Leopard 2A7 tanks. The exercises, conducted over two weeks at Al Qalayel training center, showcased South Korea's K2 live-fire capabilities and artillery resupply operations. This follows a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening South Korea-Qatar military ties. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, October 29
Indonesia's Prabowo to visit China and U.S. in first foreign trip, newspaper says. Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto plans to visit China and the U.S. as part of his first international tour, signaling active diplomacy aligned with Indonesia's non-alignment policy. Scheduled visits include meetings with China’s President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, followed by participation in the APEC summit in Peru and the G20 in Brazil. Ananda Teresia and Idrees Ali, Reuters, October 29
North Korea sends foreign minister to Russia as its troops train to fight against Ukraine. North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui is in Russia, reportedly to discuss sending additional troops as Pyongyang deepens its alliance with Moscow amid reports that 10,000 North Korean soldiers are already deployed in Russia. South Korea's intelligence agency speculates that this collaboration could include arms or technological transfers. South Korean and Western leaders are concerned this alliance could advance North Korea's weapons capabilities, posing further regional and global security threats. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, October 29
Finland warns Xi of 'provocation' by N Korea in Ukraine war. Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, conveying NATO and EU concerns over North Korea's alleged troop support for Russia in Ukraine, which he described as a serious escalation. Stubb highlighted potential harm to EU-China relations if Beijing continues to align with Moscow. They also discussed tensions over upcoming EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and an investigation into Baltic pipeline damage. Laurie Chen and Anne Kauranen, Reuters, October 29
U.S. says alliance won't be affected by Japan election outcome. The United States affirmed that its alliance with Japan, a “cornerstone of peace” in the Indo-Pacific, remains unwavering despite Japan's recent election outcome, where Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition lost its majority. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the alliance's strength, assuring that cooperation on global and regional issues, especially with South Korea, would continue unaffected. Kyodo News, October 29
ADB to help upgrade strategic road in Kazakhstan. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $291.49 million loan to upgrade a 208-kilometer section of road between Kyzylorda and Zhezkazgan, improving Kazakhstan’s connectivity and road safety. This project, led by KazAvtoZhol, includes climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure all-weather access, with expected travel times reduced from four hours to two. Enhanced features like pedestrian crossings and rumble strips aim to decrease accidents along the corridor, strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, October 29
Vietnam, Venezuela pledge to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. Vietnamese President Lương Cường and Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez met in Hanoi to advance cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and trade. They emphasized maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and enhancing collaboration to commemorate 35 years of diplomatic relations. The leaders agreed to organize a new meeting of the Vietnam-Venezuela Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee and discussed fostering partnerships in emerging sectors like construction and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam News, October 29
Ukraine, S.Korea to enhance cooperation to counter N.Korea, Zelenskyy says. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and establish countermeasures against North Korea's support of Russia in Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted a projected increase of North Korean troops supporting Russia to 12,000, underscoring the need for close coordination between Ukraine and South Korea. Upcoming exchanges between their nations aim to enhance strategic responses and involve mutual partners in addressing this escalation. Pavel Polityuk and Tom Balmforth, Reuters, October 29
Chinese ambassador, military attaché hold talks with Myanmar junta No. 2. China’s Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and military attaché Qu Zhe met Vice Senior General Soe Win in Naypyitaw amid intensified junta attacks on rebel-held regions along the China-Myanmar border. Discussions covered military cooperation, technological exchange, and regional stability. This meeting follows Chinese diplomatic efforts to engage Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups and manage escalating border tensions, as China pressures ethnic forces to halt hostilities with the junta. The Irrawaddy, October 28
LDP scrambles for help to stay in power; gripes aired over Ishiba. After losing its Lower House majority in Japan's election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks cooperation from opposition groups to retain government control. However, internal dissatisfaction mounts, with members calling for Ishiba’s resignation to take responsibility for the loss. While Ishiba rules out forming a new coalition, he remains open to policy-based cooperation. The opposition CDP, though expanded, struggles to secure necessary support from other opposition parties. The Asahi Shimbun, October 29
Debate on charter rewrite bills in next House session. Thailand’s parliament will debate constitutional amendment bills in its December session, after government and opposition leaders agreed to postpone discussions originally planned for this week. Key topics include changes to Section 256, which mandates a referendum for any major revisions, and proposals to reduce required referendums from three to two. Contentious points involve majority requirements for referendum approval, with the House supporting a simple majority and the Senate insisting on stricter conditions. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, October 29
Lao, Vietnamese leaders advance plans for rail, road connections. At the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Laos and Vietnam agreed to accelerate key infrastructure projects, notably the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway and Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, to enhance trade and connectivity. The 554.7-kilometer rail link, a $6.3 billion public-private partnership, is expected to begin construction in 2027, aiming to open Laos to broader markets, including China and Japan. Souliyasone Ngotsyoudom, The Laotian Times, October 29
Kazakhstan wheat exports experience a big dip. Kazakhstan’s wheat exports dropped nearly 40% over the first eight months of 2024 due to competitive pricing and quality from Russian suppliers, which dominate key markets like Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Kazakh producers are exploring new destinations, including Iran, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia, to offset these losses. The competition highlights broader economic challenges for Kazakhstan’s agriculture sector, prompting the government to review strategies for stabilizing wheat markets amid fluctuating demand and regional trade pressures. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, October 29
Managing India’s Labour Troubles. India's recent labor strikes, like the 38-day stoppage at Samsung’s Tamil Nadu facility, highlight the country’s industrial challenges tied to restrictive labor laws. These outdated laws hamper workforce flexibility, limit scalability, and push companies toward using contract labor. As India’s manufacturing sector expands, these tensions echo past labor politics, pressing the government to consider more balanced, pro-worker policies. Following East Asia’s model of improving workforce skills and development may help ease future labor tensions and create a competitive industrial environment. Srijan Shukla, Lowy Institute, October 30
Reopening the Sangdong Mine: South Korea’s Quest for Tungsten Autonomy. South Korea is set to resume operations at the Sangdong mine, one of the world’s largest tungsten reserves, closed since the 1990s due to competition from cheaper Chinese tungsten. Acquired by Canada’s Almonty Industries, the mine aims to reduce South Korea’s reliance on Chinese tungsten, a critical mineral in manufacturing. However, concerns arise over the country’s limited control due to foreign ownership, showing issues around economic sovereignty and strategic resource autonomy. Haeyoon Kim, Korea Economic Institute, October 29
Southeast and South Asia Step Up Controls on Online Discourse. Governments in Southeast and South Asia are intensifying online censorship efforts, targeting dissent and controlling digital content. In Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, restrictive laws now govern what can be shared online, while recent legislation in Sri Lanka and Nepal grants authorities wide discretion to censor. India, too, faces similar moves toward controlling online speech, despite public backlash. These laws pose implications for freedom of expression across the region. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, October 29
Has India Made Friends with China After the Modi-Xi Agreement? India and China recently agreed to disengage at border friction points, following a rare meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi. While these talks aim to reduce tensions, the arrangement is tactical, not transformative, as India continues strategic partnerships elsewhere. Mutual distrust over previous border incidents and India’s “border before broader ties” approach suggest continued caution. The agreement’s success depends on China’s adherence, with India balancing re-engagement against a resilient foreign policy stance. Tanvi Madan, Brookings, October 29
Data Shows the Chinese Government is Less Popular Than State Media Makes It Seem. New data reveals a disparity between Chinese state media's portrayal of government popularity and actual public opinion, highlighting that local grievances often go unreported. While state media conveys broad support for central authorities, studies indicate significantly lower satisfaction at local government levels, especially among residents in rural and lower-income areas. Surveys suggest that dissatisfaction stems from local governance issues, such as limited service quality and fiscal constraints, contrasting with the generally high approval of central authorities often cited in official statistics. Erin Carter, Brett Carter, and Stephen Schick, East Asia Forum, October 29
SEAN’s Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Tightrope. ASEAN countries are working to balance digital transformation with ambitious decarbonization goals. As the region pushes to expand digital infrastructure, which includes scaling data centers and energy-intensive technologies, it faces the challenge of reducing carbon emissions. Strategies discussed include improving renewable energy sources, implementing strict energy efficiency standards for new technologies, and developing carbon markets to incentivize low-carbon transitions. However, the region must address substantial investment needs and policy coordination challenges to align sustainable growth with digitalization goals, making it a complex yet critical objective for ASEAN's future development. Felippa Amanta, East Asia Forum, October 29
The Battle to Shape Trump’s China Policy. With potential shifts in U.S. policy toward China under a possible second Trump administration, Republicans are divided on the strategic approach. These factions range from advocates of a hardline, “values-based” stance focused on ideological opposition to China, to “realpolitik” proponents emphasizing military and economic countermeasures. Disagreements center on prioritizing either defense commitments or economic competition, with internal U.S. capabilities shaping these outlooks. This factionalized debate could lead to a China policy marked by both assertive tactics and cautious recalibrations. Tanner Greer, Foreign Policy Research Institute, October 29
Making Infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific a Success. The U.S. aims to boost its influence in the Indo-Pacific by supporting infrastructure projects that rival China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Current initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Quad, focus on transparent financing and high standards. Key challenges include aligning private sector involvement, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and ensuring long-term project sustainability. Erin L. Murphy, CSIS, October 29
Quick Take: "The Old SOF Shoe". North Korea has reportedly sent its Special Operations Forces (SOF) commander, Colonel General Kim Yong Bok, to Russia, possibly to oversee North Korean troop deployments in support of Russian operations. This high-ranking visit shows North Korea's growing military cooperation with Russia, as KPA units transition into active roles in Ukraine. The commander’s presence likely reflects Pyongyang’s efforts to consolidate control and ensure alignment in the field. Michael Madden, 38 North, October 29
The ‘Fab 4’ Allies Are Pushing Back on US Export Controls on China. The Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan—the “Fab 4” in semiconductor production—are resisting U.S. export controls aimed at limiting China’s access to critical chip technologies. The Dutch government, for example, will issue independent export licenses for ASML’s DUV lithography equipment. This reflects the allies' concerns over economic impacts and the drive to maintain industry competitiveness, while still cautiously aligning with U.S. security policies. Nisarg Jani, The Diplomat, October 29
The US Risks Losing to China in the Race to Send People Back to the Moon’s Surface. The U.S. Artemis program, facing delays in spacesuit and lander readiness, is in a race with China, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. While NASA’s Artemis missions focus on lunar exploration through international collaboration, China’s space program, advancing steadily without major setbacks, could lead to its astronauts reaching the Moon first. Jacco van Loon, The Diplomat, October 29
Mainstreaming Religious Moderation in Indonesia’s Urban Spaces. Indonesia has launched programs to promote religious moderation, particularly in urban areas, through initiatives like the Kampung Moderasi Beragama (Religious Moderation Villages) and short film festivals aimed at fostering tolerance. However, these efforts focus largely on symbolic displays of harmony, with critics suggesting that deeper societal issues, like class and sectarian divisions, remain unaddressed. The campaign seeks to counter polarization but faces challenges in balancing progressive representation with cultural complexities. Najwa Abdullah, Fulcrum, October 29
Sino-US Competition: Southeast Asia Retains Agency. Southeast Asian nations, frequently seen as passive in the U.S.-China rivalry, are asserting their agency by addressing strategic and economic interests independently. While balancing partnerships with both powers, some countries have implemented tariffs to counter Chinese import surges, signaling selective alignment with U.S. trade practices. The region’s nuanced diplomacy enables it to leverage opportunities and mitigate risks as geopolitical tensions rise, ensuring that these countries remain influential rather than merely responsive. Stephen Olson, Fulcrum, October 29